Torbay Bookshop up for sale

The owners of the Torbay Bookshop, the Paignton based independent bookseller, have put the shop up for sale after almost 20 years trading. Co-owner Matthew Clarke said it was the right time to sell the business, with he and co-owner Sarah Clarke wishing to concentrate on their buy to let business. He said he was seeking around £470,000 for the business, including the building.

He said: "A number of years ago, we employed a business coach to help improve our business and was intrigued by one of his observations in running an independent business. His recommendation was as soon as you open your business, you should make plans or have some idea of when you are going to sell it.

"An exit strategy is something Sarah and I had never considered but with most independents closing because of ill health, retirement or going bust, the advice made great sense. So 2012 was chosen and we've been working towards that date to leave the business for the next owner in a healthy state."

The Torbay Bookshop opened in the Devon town in 1993 before relocating to new purpose designed premises in 2002. The shop won the Bertrams Independent Bookseller of the Year award at The Bookseller Retail Awards in 2006.